Aldi has been named 2016 eftpos Retailer of the Year at today’s 2016 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards.
German discount supermarket disrupter, Aldi, took home the top prize in recognition of its growth, influence and market leading policies, which have seen the supermarket chain significantly challenge the majors in its category and beyond with the implementation of innovative sales approaches.
“We are proud to be recognised as the price leader in the market, helping Australians live richer lives for less,” an Aldi Australia spokesperson said following the announcement. “Every week, over two million Australian shoppers visit Aldi Australia to shop from our range of products, including award-winning grocery essentials and exciting Special Buys, together with fresh fruit and vegetables. With 60 new stores opening in 2016 and 12 per cent market share on the eastern seaboard,Aldi is has firmly cemented itself as one of Australia’s favourite supermarkets.”
ARA executive director, Russell Zimmerman, paid tribute to the pedigree of this year’s finalists.
“This year’s Awards field was particularly tough, with not just the highest number of entries in the Awards’ 50-year history, but also the highest quality,” Zimmerman said. “Retail is Australia’s largest private sector employer, and the contribution of these businesses to our economy and future cannot be understated. These winners represent the diversity of Australian retailing and the depth of talent we have in this important industry.
“The industry grows each year, and we look forward to watching the winners of this year’s Awards as they continue to prosper.”
eftpos managing director, Bruce Mansfield, added that, “Australian retail today is not only extraordinarily competitive, but the industry is evolving at a rapid pace, with more international brands and the increasing use of technology and new channels.
“eftpos congratulates Aldi on winning the eftpos Retailer of the Year, and all Award winners and runners up in 2016. It’s so important to recognise the effort and success of Australian retailers, large and small, and we are very pleased to be a supporter.”
Run annually by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), the eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards recognise, reward and celebrate Australian retail businesses and individuals for success, innovation and growth. This year’s breakfast event was held at the Melbourne Grand Hyatt, and along with presentation of the awards, featured keynote speeches by Jeff Allis, co-founder of Boost Juice and chairman of Retail Zoo; and Daniel Flynn, co-founder of Thankyou, a social enterprise that empowers shoppers to play a part in ending global poverty through everyday purchases.
Nine awards were presented as part of the 2016 Awards. Particular praise went to Wilson Retail, which operates the Saltwater Wine and Stormriders chains in NSW and took out the ARA Independent Retailer of the Year award for the third year running.
Full list of 2016 eftpos ARA Australian Retail Awards winners
eftpos Retailer of the Year
WINNER: Aldi
Runner up: Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
ARA Independent Retailer of the Year
WINNER: Wilson Retail (Stormriders & Saltwater Wine)
Runner up: Adreno
Shop for Shops Store Fitout of the Year 1-5 Stores
WINNER: The Sydney String Centre
Runner up: Eliza Blue Fashions
Shop for Shops Store Fitout of the Year 6+ Stores
WINNER: Specsavers Eastland
Runner up: Jeanswest Eastland
Temando Multi-Channel Retailer of the Year
WINNER: Mon Purse
Runner up: The Good Guys
Frontline Recruitment Retail Employer of the Year
WINNER: Peregrine Corporation (On The Run, Smoke Box)
Runner up: Aldi
Rest Industry Super Retail Employee of the Year
WINNER: Jacob Purtell, Harris Scarfe
Runner up: David Lai, Fantastic Furniture
FCB Retail HR Rising Star of the Year
WINNER: Paige Willemse, Sussan Group
Pronto Software Retail Innovator of the Year
WINNER: Shoes of Prey
Runner up: Just For Pets
ARA Retail Institute Retail Graduate of the Year
WINNER: Lauren Dodman
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